• OPEN DISCUSSION - For the first 30 minutes of the Thursday night forums we will have informal open discussion. This will allow for late arrivals, food & drink ordering, and new attendees to become acclimated.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS - Any events, news, or other items that you feel are of interest to the group can be announced at the start of Free Inquiry Forum.

TOPICS for Thursday (1/6/05) & Monday (1/10/05):
(Moderator for Thursday: Jack Bethune)

1. President Bush wants to preserve Social Security for future generations by allowing Americans to invest a portion of their SS contributions in stocks and bonds. His rationale is that privatized funds invested in a growing financial market will appreciate, benefiting participants and eventually offsetting a greater portion of the government’s SS obligations in future years.  The administration claims that the system is “broken” or near insolvency. Opponents say SS is funded for another 40-50 years and that shortfall corrections can be made without such radical changes. Some Republicans and Democrats object to the trillions in new government debt required to set up private accounts, while others doubt the benefits of a plan that they say will mainly enrich Wall Street while undermining and endangering the safety net Americans have relied on since 1935. Is Social Security facing a crisis, are private investment accounts a good idea, or can less drastic measures safely enable the program to meet future obligations?
2. The FCC has voted to lift its ban on the use of cellphones and other wireless devices aboard airliners in flight.  For years, the FCC banned cellphone use because it could disrupt service for ground users (airborne phones can connect to more than one cell tower, while ground users normally are in contact with only one). However, a second Federal agency, the FAA, continues to ban cellphone use on aircraft because of potential interference with onboard avionics and communications devices. Cellphone manufacturers say signal interference is now so low such threats have been eliminated, opening the door to widespread cellphone use for those who fly. What do you think of people sitting next to you and using their cellphones and other devices throughout the flight?  Do you foresee problems or advantages with this new freedom of the skies?
3. What in your opinion was the most under-reported story or news item neglected by broadcast and print media during 2004? What important issue or topic never received proper media scrutiny, airing, open discussion, and subsequent public awareness during the past year?
4. Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but we won’t ask you to name yours unless you care to reveal them. But what do you hope OTHER people’s New Year’s resolutions might be? More skillful and courteous drivers? Less cellphone use in public places? Fewer food temptations at parties? A national ban against Hummers? What resolutions are you hoping OTHER Americans put on THEIR list for the New Year?
5. OPEN DISCUSSION.

Quote of the week: The Democrats seem to be basically nicer people, but they have demonstrated time and again that they have the management skills of celery. They're the kind of people who'd stop to help you change a flat, but would somehow manage to set your car on fire. I would be reluctant to entrust them with a Cuisinart, let alone the economy. The Republicans, on the other hand, would know how to fix your tire, but they wouldn't bother to stop because they'd want to be on time for Ugly Pants Night at the country club." [Dave Barry - Source]

TOP TEN MOST OUTRAGEOUS STATEMENTS OF 2004

TOPIC ARCHIVES

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